All

CPD modules: All

You are free to download, print and study the modules. Once you have completed your reading come back and take the multichoice test. If you obtain a pass mark of over 80% you will have the option of printing out a certificate of completion.

BIS: fact or fiction

BIS or Bispectral monitoring is a relatively new but controversial technology to monitor depth of anaesthesia. This module covers how it works and if it works.Length of Study: 60 min. Difficulty: Easy

Predicting difficult airways

Proper airway assessment is essential and takes less than 2 minutes. This can give an indication of a potential difficult airway. This modules covers whats involved and what to look for.Length of Study: 60 min. Difficulty: Easy

Sugammadex: an overview

Sugammadex is an effective and safe agent for reversing neuromuscular blockade, in particular all depths of rocuronium-induced blockade. Sugammadex provides a real alternative to neostigmine and this module covers everything you need to know.Length of Study: 60 min Difficulty: Easy

Pre-eclampsia and Anaesthetics

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the kidneys. Left untreated, pre-eclampsia can lead to serious even fatal complications for both mother and baby and the only cure is delivery.Length of Study: 60 min Difficulty: Easy

Perioperative anaphylaxis

Perioperative anaphylaxis is not uncommon and several commonly used anaesthetic drugs can cause anaphylaxis. This modules covers latest guidelines to identifying and treating anaphylaxis in theatre as well as the post theatre care required.Length of Study: 60 min Difficulty: Medium

Spinal Anaesthesia

Postoperative Nausea & Vomiting

PONV can be common after surgery, although some patient groups are more prone to this than others. This module discusses this and what is the most effective and appropriate treatment for PONV.Length of Study: 60 min. Difficulty: Easy

Understanding vaporisers

This updated module explains how modern anaesthetic vaporisers work and the principles behind them. It includes electronic and direct injection vaporisers.Length of Study: 60 min. Difficulty: Medium

Inhalation (gas) Induction

This module covers inhalation or gas induction. Although it is routine to induce general anaesthesia by the intravenous (IV) route, the inhalational route remains an acceptable method and is preferred in certain circumstances.Length of Study: 60 min. Difficulty: Medium

Jehovah’s Witnesses and Blood Issues

Jehovah’s Witnesses are well known for their refusal of blood transfusions. But how much do you really know? What can or can’t they have, are epidural blood patches acceptable and what rights do parents have to refuse their children blood transfusions? This article discusses these issues as well as giving background on who are Jehovah’s Witnesses and what they believe in. It also covers the area of consent in both children and adults according to New Zealand law.Length of Study: 60 min Difficulty: Medium

Morphine – Still the gold standard

Still popular and widely used. This brief module reviews the basics of morphine, its uses, side effects and doses.Length of Study: 30 min Difficulty: Easy

Sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease is a disorder of the blood caused by an inherited abnormal haemoglobin. The abnormal haemoglobin causes distorted (sickled) red blood cells. When the number of red blood cells decreases from rupture (haemolysis), anaemia is the result. The irregular sickled cells can also block blood vessels causing tissue and organ damage and pain.Length of Study: 60 minDifficulty: Easy

Apnoea & Pre-oxygenation

Pre-oxygenation is used in anaesthesia to prolong the time to desaturation during a period of apnoea, such as frequently happens upon induction. This can also be thought of a denitogenation. This article covers the science behind it and discusses some patient groups that need special attention.Length of Study: 60 min Difficulty: Easy

An urgent call to the labour ward

Emergencies on the labour ward may have obstetric, anaesthetic, or general medical causes. This module covers the most common emergencies on the ward and what the response should be.Length of Study: 90 minDifficulty: Easy

Surgical tourniquets

Surgical tourniquets are commonly used in the operating theatres, particularly during orthopaedic cases. Although they are very safe when used properly they can have rare but catastrophic consequences. This module covers how, where and when to use them and more importantly when not to.Length of Study: 60 minDifficulty: Easy

Perioperative Cell Salvage: an introduction

This module discusses basics of perioperative cell salvage or call saver. Its principles, indications, contra-indications and the various types of system available.Length of Study: 75 min Difficulty:Easy

Paediatric Trauma

Anatomical and physiological differences in children require special consideration and most seriously injured children have multiple injuries. This module is mainly for those who may be called to A&E resus but the general principles are useful for anyone who works with children.Length of Study: 60 min. Difficulty: Medium

Management of Major Obstetric Haemorrhage

Major obstetric haemorrhage is a common cause of maternal morbidity and mortality and the recognition of major obstetric haemorrhage can be challenging. This module discusses it causes, symptoms and importantly anaesthetic management of cases.Length of Study: 75 min Difficulty: Medium

Urea & Electrolytes: a review

Urea and electrolytes (U&Es) are the most frequently requested biochemistry tests. They provide useful information about several aspects of health, such as the volume of blood and its pH. The most important aspect of U&Es is what they tell us about kidney functioning.Length of Study: 50 min Difficulty: Easy

Awareness under Anaesthesia

Awareness during anaesthesia can be very distressing for a patient, particularly if accompanied by recall of the painful nature of surgery. This article explores the types, incidence, consequences, causes, management and avoidance of intraoperative awareness.Length of Study: 60 minDifficulty: Easy